This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 62.252.192.7 (talk) at 14:16, 24 October 2004 (→Sport). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 14:16, 24 October 2004 by 62.252.192.7 (talk) (→Sport)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Oldham is a town in North West England, on the north-eastern edge of the Greater Manchester conurbation. Traditionally part of Lancashire, it began as a mill town, and is most recently well-known for inter-racial problems. It is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham.
Oldham could become the largest town in the United Kingdom not to have a conventional railway station, with the planned extension of the Metrolink to replace rail services in the town. However this plan has run into funding difficulties.
History
While Oldham's existence can be traced back to the 11th century, it was the Industrial Revolution -- and cotton in particular -- that laid the foundations for the town's prosperity. By the end of the 19th century Oldham was recognised as one of the most productive cotton-spinning towns in the world.
In 1900, Winston Churchill was elected Oldham member of Parliament. He held the constituency until 1904.
The world's first test tube baby, Louise Joy Brown, was born in Oldham General Hospital on 25 July 1978.
Culture
The town is home to the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
Oldham was the birthplace of the composer William Walton.
Music
The Inspiral Carpets emanated from Oldham.
Sport
The town is home to many teams : Oldham Athletic F.C. (football), Oldham Roughyeds (Rugby League) , and Oldham Cricket Club.